When can my baby sleep through the night?
It’s completely natural to wonder when your baby might start sleeping through the night—it’s a milestone many parents look forward to as it means more rest for everyone! The truth is, every baby is unique, and their sleep journey is too. However, most little ones start sleeping for longer stretches (6–8 hours) between 4 and 6 months of age. Let’s break this down a bit more and talk about how to help your baby—and you—get closer to a full night’s sleep.
What to Expect at Different Ages
0–3 Months: Survival Mode
During these early months, your baby’s tiny tummy means they wake every 2–4 hours for feedings. This is perfectly normal, as they’re growing rapidly and need frequent nourishment.
At this stage, they don’t yet have a circadian rhythm (their internal clock), so they don’t differentiate between day and night. You may find that naps and nighttime sleep feel very similar.
4–6 Months: Starting to Connect Sleep Cycles
Many babies become physically capable of sleeping through the night (6–8 hours without needing a feed) somewhere in this window. This is because their tummies can hold more milk or formula, and their sleep patterns start to mature.
This is a wonderful time to establish a bedtime routine and begin gently teaching self-soothing skills.
6 Months and Beyond: More Consistent Sleep
By this age, your baby may sleep for 8–12 hours at night, though some may still need a nighttime feed.
That said, sleep regressions can crop up—around 8–10 months, developmental milestones like crawling and standing, or even separation anxiety might disrupt their sleep temporarily. Patience and consistency will help you both through these phases.
How to Help Your Baby Sleep Longer at Night
A bedtime routine is one of the best ways to help your baby sleep through the night—and it’s simpler than it might seem! Babies thrive on predictability, and having a consistent routine gives them the comfort and cues they need to settle down and drift off. Here’s why it works (and how you can make it work for your family):
It’s Your Baby’s Sleep “Cue Card”
Babies don’t instinctively know when it’s time to sleep, but a routine teaches them! Doing the same calming activities each night—like a warm bath, a snuggle, or a lullaby—helps their little brain recognize that it’s time to relax and get ready for bed.
It Helps Their Body Clock
By keeping bedtime at the same time each night, you help your baby’s internal clock learn when to sleep and wake up. Over time, this rhythm makes it easier for them to settle into longer, more restful stretches of sleep (which is a win for everyone).
It Brings Comfort and Calm
Babies feel safe when they know what to expect. A familiar bedtime routine can be a source of comfort, especially after a busy day. Those gentle rituals—like reading their favourite book or cuddling with their favourite blanket—can ease them into sleep feeling secure and happy.
It Assists in Helping Them to Self-Settle
When you follow a consistent routine and put your baby down awake but drowsy, you’re giving them the chance to learn how to fall asleep on their own. That’s a skill they’ll use for years to come!
It Makes Everyone’s Life Easier
A predictable bedtime routine isn’t just good for your baby—it’s good for you too. Once it’s in place, you’ll know what to expect each evening, and that consistency can make the whole process less stressful for everyone.
Design the Perfect Sleep Environment:
Think dark, cool, and quiet. Use blackout curtains to block light, white noise to drown out distractions, and ensure your baby’s sleepwear is cozy but not too warm.
Encourage Self-Soothing:
Try putting your baby down drowsy but awake. This gives them a chance to learn how to fall asleep on their own, a key skill for sleeping through the night.
Focus on Daytime Feeds:
Make sure your baby gets plenty of nourishment during the day. Well-fed babies are less likely to wake frequently for calories at night.
Learn Their Sleep Cues:
Look for early signs of tiredness, like yawning, rubbing eyes, or staring off. Catching these cues can help you put your baby down before they become overtired, which often makes it harder for them to settle.
Remember, Every Baby is Different
Some babies are naturally better sleepers, while others may take longer to reach this milestone—and that’s okay! Even if your baby isn’t sleeping through the night by 6 months, it’s still completely normal. You’re not doing anything wrong.
Think of sleep as a journey, not a race. Celebrate the small wins—whether it’s a longer stretch of sleep one night or your baby waking up happy and rested. Sleep deprivation can be tough, but you’re doing an amazing job.
Let me know how old your baby is or what challenges you’re facing, and I’d love to share more personalised advice!
